Lowestoft chief Micky Chapman is confident his men have turned a corner ahead of today's Ridgeons Premier Division Crown Meadow test against bottom club Newmarket.

Lowestoft chief Micky Chapman is confident his men have turned a corner ahead of today's Ridgeons Premier Division Crown Meadow test against bottom club Newmarket.

The Blues chalked up a rare clean sheet at Woodbridge last week and Chapman admits getting back to basics is key to targeting the top six.

"It was something we've been working on, to look to shut up shop and not concede goals," he said. "So we played a different system and it worked really well - everything went to plan and we kept a clean sheet. It was 0-0 at half time, after we had had the majority of play. Second half, we tore them apart and were really excellent all round.

"The defence was superb, the midfield worked tirelessly and it was a really good, solid team performance. It was a very pleasing three points."

Chapman's squad has been hit by a flu bug but Lowestoft's joint boss insists there will be no excuses against the Jockeys.

"Whatever happens, we'll be picking from a strong squad," he said. "We're trying to get consistency - which everyone is striving for - and after a good result we now need to take that into the Newmarket game.

"They've had an up-and-down season mixed with good and poor results, and although we beat them earlier in the season we're under no illusions - it will be another tough one, but we're hoping for another three points."

Rivals Kirkley and Pakefield include new Gorleston signing Lee Hunter for the trip to Mildenhall. Defender Nicky Stokeld is available after a recent hamstring injury.

Fourth placed Dereham host Harwich & Parkeston at Aldiss Park with defensive duo James Wilson and Brendan Foley both unavailable. Adie Hayes is poised for a reserve run out after knee surgery.

Swaffham's Aaron Butcher is suspended for Stanway's visit. Gary Setchell is banned for the Pedlars' Boxing Day test at Wisbech along with Kieran Docherty.

Downham boss Ian Leaver welcomes back Jason Cook, Pat Yates and Jack Webber for the Ridgeons Division One clash against Long Melford. Matty Calvert is unavailable. Sam Darlow is expected to return for Town's Boxing Day trip to March.